What does EMAD stand for?

EMAD stands for Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping. It refers to the plastic housing on the front of the head that holds foam rings to control sustain.

What are the thicknesses of the plies on the EMAD2?

The EMAD2 features a dual-ply construction. It consists of a 6.5mil outer film and a 10mil inner film.

How many damping rings are included with the head?

The head comes with two interchangeable damping rings. These rings offer different widths to provide varying levels of attack and focus.

Can I change the damping rings without removing the drum head?

Yes, the EMAD system is designed so the rings can be swapped externally. This allows for quick adjustments between songs or sets without detuning the drum.

What size is this specific Evans EMAD2 head?

This specific model is designed for a 20-inch bass drum. It is important to match the head size to the diameter of your drum shell.

What is the benefit of a clear drum head over a coated one?

Clear drum heads like this EMAD2 typically offer a brighter attack and more 'click.' They are often preferred for modern rock and metal styles where definition is key.

Is the EMAD2 more durable than the standard EMAD?

Yes, because the EMAD2 is a 2-ply head, it offers increased durability compared to single-ply versions. This makes it more suitable for heavy-footed drummers.

Does the EMAD2 eliminate the need for a pillow inside the drum?

For many players, the EMAD system provides enough damping to eliminate the need for internal pillows. However, the level of muffling is subjective and depends on the desired sound.

What is the typical price range for this drum head?

The typical price for the Evans EMAD2 Clear 20-inch head is approximately GBP 63. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

How does the EMAD2 compare to the Evans EQ3?

The EMAD2 offers external adjustability via foam rings, whereas the EQ3 utilizes internal fixed damping rings. The EMAD2 is generally punchier and more versatile for live tuning.

Will this head fit a 20-inch bass drum from any brand?

Yes, as long as the bass drum has a standard 20-inch diameter, this head is designed to fit. It follows industry-standard sizing for percussion instruments.

Does the EMAD2 come in other finishes besides clear?

While this specific model is clear, Evans does manufacture other versions in the EMAD range. The clear version is specifically designed for maximum attack focus.

Gear article

Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head 20

The Evans EMAD2 Clear is a 2-ply bass drum head designed with an Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping system. It features a unique combination of 6.5mil and 10mil film plies to provide drummers with enhanced attack focus and high levels of durability.

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Overview

The Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head is a 20-inch drumhead engineered for modern percussion applications. It belongs to the renowned EMAD series, distinguished by its innovative external damping mechanism. Unlike traditional heads that require internal muffling, the EMAD2 allows for tonal adjustments from the outside of the drum. The head is constructed using two plies of high-quality film, providing a robust striking surface that balances resonance with controlled decay.

Construction and Key Features

The primary design feature of the EMAD2 is its dual-ply configuration. It utilizes an outer ply of 6.5mil film and an inner ply of 10mil film. This specific combination is chosen to maximise durability while ensuring a sharp, clear attack.

The defining characteristic of this model is the Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping (EMAD) system. This system consists of a plastic sleeve attached to the outer edge of the head, which holds one of two interchangeable foam damping rings. This allows the player to modify the drum's sustain and focus without the need to remove the head or reach inside the shell.

Sound Character

The EMAD2 is noted for its ability to provide a significant low-end punch and a focused attack. Because the two plies are of different thicknesses, they help to suppress unwanted overtones while maintaining a deep fundamental pitch. The clear film version generally offers a brighter, more immediate attack compared to coated alternatives, making it suitable for genres requiring a 'clicky' or punchy bass drum sound.

Target User

This head is particularly suited for drummers who require durability and versatility. It is an ideal choice for heavy hitters who demand a head that can withstand consistent impact without sacrificing tone. Additionally, because of the adjustable damping rings, it serves musicians who play in various venues where the acoustics might require more or less control over the bass drum's sustain.

Comparisons and Alternatives

Within the EVANS range, the EMAD2 is more durable than the single-ply EMAD versions. Compared to the Evans 56 Calftone series, which offers a vintage aesthetic and warmer tone, the EMAD2 provides a more modern, aggressive sound. Other industry alternatives include the Remo Silentstroke for low-volume practice or the DW Drums Coated Clear series for a different blend of resonance and surface texture. While products like the Eden Atlas Mini belong to the bass amplification category, the EMAD2 remains a specific acoustic solution for drum projection.

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Frequently asked questions

What does EMAD stand for?: EMAD stands for Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping. It refers to the plastic housing on the front of the head that holds foam rings to control sustain.
What are the thicknesses of the plies on the EMAD2?: The EMAD2 features a dual-ply construction. It consists of a 6.5mil outer film and a 10mil inner film.
How many damping rings are included with the head?: The head comes with two interchangeable damping rings. These rings offer different widths to provide varying levels of attack and focus.
Can I change the damping rings without removing the drum head?: Yes, the EMAD system is designed so the rings can be swapped externally. This allows for quick adjustments between songs or sets without detuning the drum.
What size is this specific Evans EMAD2 head?: This specific model is designed for a 20-inch bass drum. It is important to match the head size to the diameter of your drum shell.
What is the benefit of a clear drum head over a coated one?: Clear drum heads like this EMAD2 typically offer a brighter attack and more 'click.' They are often preferred for modern rock and metal styles where definition is key.
Is the EMAD2 more durable than the standard EMAD?: Yes, because the EMAD2 is a 2-ply head, it offers increased durability compared to single-ply versions. This makes it more suitable for heavy-footed drummers.
Does the EMAD2 eliminate the need for a pillow inside the drum?: For many players, the EMAD system provides enough damping to eliminate the need for internal pillows. However, the level of muffling is subjective and depends on the desired sound.
What is the typical price range for this drum head?: The typical price for the Evans EMAD2 Clear 20-inch head is approximately GBP 63. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
How does the EMAD2 compare to the Evans EQ3?: The EMAD2 offers external adjustability via foam rings, whereas the EQ3 utilizes internal fixed damping rings. The EMAD2 is generally punchier and more versatile for live tuning.
Will this head fit a 20-inch bass drum from any brand?: Yes, as long as the bass drum has a standard 20-inch diameter, this head is designed to fit. It follows industry-standard sizing for percussion instruments.
Does the EMAD2 come in other finishes besides clear?: While this specific model is clear, Evans does manufacture other versions in the EMAD range. The clear version is specifically designed for maximum attack focus.